Music, collaborations often bring together artists from different genres and backgrounds, sometimes creating unexpected and groundbreaking results. While some partnerships are a natural fit, others can feel like an unlikely pairing. However, history has shown that these unexpected collaborations can create chart-topping hits that resonate with a wide audience. From rockstars teaming up with rappers to pop icons joining forces with electronic producers, some of the most unlikely collaborations have managed to dominate the charts in surprising ways.
Let’s get into four of the most unlikely collaborations that charted, demonstrating that in the music industry, magic can happen when you least expect it.
1. Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith – “Walk This Way”
One of the most iconic and surprising collaborations in music history, Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” was a groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop and rock. When the legendary rap group teamed up with Aerosmith, the pairing seemed improbable, given the contrast between their styles. However, their collaboration not only bridged the gap between genres but also brought rap music into mainstream acceptance. The song’s success was monumental, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and revolutionizing the way music was perceived in the late 1980s. Aerosmith’s infectious riff, combined with Run-D.M.C.’s energetic verses, made “Walk This Way” a unique anthem that resonated with fans of both rock and rap. This collaboration marked a pivotal moment in music history and proved that seemingly unlikely pairings could create massive hits.
2. Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett – “Cheek to Cheek”
When pop superstar Lady Gaga joined forces with legendary jazz singer Tony Bennett for the album Cheek to Cheek, many music fans were initially skeptical about the pairing. Gaga, known for her over-the-top pop anthems, and Bennett, a jazz icon with decades of experience, seemed like an odd match. However, the collaboration was a surprising success. Their shared chemistry and respect for each other’s artistry led to the creation of an album that not only charted but also received critical acclaim. The title track, “Cheek to Cheek,” reached the top of the Jazz charts and showcased Gaga’s impressive vocal range in a completely new genre. This unlikely collaboration introduced Lady Gaga to a new audience while allowing Tony Bennett to maintain his relevance in the ever-evolving music terrain.
Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett – Cheek to Cheek (image via Getty)3. Nelly and Tim McGraw – “Over and Over”
In 2004, rapper Nelly teamed up with country music legend Tim McGraw for “Over and Over,” blending rap and country in a way that had never been done before. The pairing seemed almost unthinkable, as the two genres are so distinct in both style and fanbase. However, the track was a massive commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s mellow, soulful vibe combined with Nelly’s smooth rap and McGraw’s country vocals created a fresh sound that appealed to both country and hip-hop fans. “Over and Over” became a crossover hit, breaking down barriers between two seemingly opposite musical genres and showing that genre lines could be blurred with the right collaboration.
Nelly and Tim McGraw – Over and Over (image via Getty)4. David Bowie and Bing Crosby – “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy”
In one of the most unexpected collaborations of all time, rock icon David Bowie and legendary crooner Bing Crosby recorded “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” for Crosby’s holiday television special in 1977. Bowie, known for his eclectic and avant-garde music style, and Crosby, who was known for his classic Christmas standards, seemed like an unlikely duo. However, their rendition of the classic Christmas song became an instant holiday classic. The unique blend of Bowie’s modern, edgy vocal style with Crosby’s smooth, traditional delivery created a magical contrast that resonated with fans worldwide. The song’s unexpected success has led to it becoming a staple on holiday playlists and remains one of the most beloved and unlikely collaborations in music history.